Only in Cleveland. Bud Shaw wrote a good piece on when they extended Savage/Crennel. In summary we should expect more evidence before we fall in love with these guys, nothing accomplished, is it too much to ask, for a playooff appearance 1st? We have been down so long we are desperate where we should be prudent.

Go Browns, but really deep13, maybe you joking here. Have to be to see the reactions.

I remember JOSEPHINA1970 -last year at this time was how the Browns were going to beat the Steelers, blah, blah, Steelers lost Porter their defense had it... Steeler D not allowed 100 rusher in how long? amazing

Before the 1st game of the year she predicted Browns would win by two TD's

This is same poster as fredforloser, oldchuck, LnA997, klau, called out Steinbach before on how the Steelers d line beat the Bengals O-line like a drum for 5 years staright in Cincy. She trying to counter with some fake rating, bottom line is score, after that how well did offensive do???, 35 rush yards, 123 pass yards... embarassing.

Read her posts above, says AFC North weak..how many teams made playoffs? from AFC North she asks, forgets Brownies blew it in Cincy.

Re-reading your post and some of your other posts, it is clear you are behind the moves Savage has made regarding Rogers. We give someone 20 million or we get embarrased? That is just ridiculous. Cinci got embrassed - i don't think so, at least they stuck to principle ... no more money you are under contract. Vote of confidence for what? He had a contract. Savage let a Lazy Malcontent hold him hostage? He would have been embarassed two teams had ytrade then walked away.

KLAUGEORGE .. thanks for always finding some well written opinions by others and yourself that display there are 2 sides here.

Role of the dice ... I agree with Bud Shaw. I find some of the Detriot articles disturbing, I did not know this guy had knee problems. WE gave him 20 million before he made a tackle?

I also agree with klaugeorge, and bud, going to cause issues with other players on team, chemistry may be wrecked.

Also great comment by Drew Shaw from Det Free Press:

When big names are traded in the NFL, it's more about cutting losses.

RAC a good choice to handle Rogers, see post above, same things were said about Marinelli when he took over, etc.,

As I said above RAC did not have team ready to play Bengals or Cards they were unprepared and looked it, throw in Raiders too. This team still fragle.

Well in a football organization, I would be above you no doubt be above you. No, Lions did not crash because of Rogers alone, but he was part of it. He was trouble on and off for 7 years ...before Martz got there. They are really sorry to see him go.

Browns had to give him a new contract and 20 million guaranteed? Sounds like he needed 20 million to play for the Browns ...extra.

Rogers is a lemon and a malcontent. Giving him 20 million before he did anything in Cleveland while he was already obligated to a contract was a stupid, foolish move.

This guy is your savior? Are you comparing Rogers to Casey Hampton, Kelly Gregg, or Haita Nagta, Jamall Williams, Pat and Keven Williams, John Henderson, I can go on... nobody wanted the guy and Savage gave him 20 million. Bye Bye team chemistry

Kellen, Braylon, ...Savage does not respect you, you guys have been injured and layed it on the line. If Savage gave Rogers 20 million while under contract ...why not you two? Demand it and hold out ...

Use Rogers as example Browns can not win withou you guys, use your leverage this year!!!!!

"The Browns told him that they are really counting on him by re-doing his contract which gives him some real positive strokes as well. RAC is the perfect coach for this kind of guy as he is extremely loyal to his guys. "

Phil has new way of doing business, reward players who are under contract with MORE MONEY after bad years. No one has caught on to this yet. It is so brillant.

I have no concerns those who play well will not be rewarded before their contracts are up, or any concerns with team chemistry or future player demands.

Heck we can even use Savage's brillant plan in all areas of society, if someone commits a crime, lets give him $10,000, 20, 30, 50, etc., or more, tell him we are giving him real positive strokes becuase we are counting on him to be a good member of society. The people that obey the rules will not care.

If you buy a lemon of a car, go back and get the same model, give the car dealer some strokes.

RAC, he is players coach, Players really gave it up against Bengals with playoffs on theline.

You are so brillant OrangeGeorge, heck I think you might even be Phil in disguise.

In 15 years of cap economics, the system is maturing. Teams that draft well, recognize their good, young players early and give them contract extensions are rewarded. Teams that draft poorly and rely on free agency are doomed to 10-loss seasons.

While the salary cap was put in for economic stability, it has had great success leveling the playing field and creating a more competitive league.

Savage has two years left on the five-year deal he signed in 2005, and the contract extension will go through at least the 2011 season. Head coach Romeo Crennel, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker have all signed extensions through 2011 as well.

Pro-Football:

Lerner told the Plain Dealer he was excited about the future of the team because “It’s been a great off-season,” but it seems a little premature to make such a declaration. The Browns’ roster has more recognizable names on it than it did in 2007, but the Browns have also traded away their top three draft picks.

Savage appears to have the Browns headed in the right direction, but Lerner is putting an awful lot of faith in people who haven’t yet led the team to the playoffs.

yes, Starks a monster at least if you look the way the Steelers push the Browns around. I think you need to watch game against Robaire Smith. Steelers ran for over 2,000 yards last year total. Starks a monster getting better. RUN GAME WILL BE BETTER NEXT YEAR.

I know I have gotten to you, you have now started looking at the facts, and because of it---looking to a possible uncapped year, right. thats your dream the uncapped year. Already have fall back excuse. Not going to have uncapped year, more small market than big, not going to happen. Players union floating that to scare fans into pushing owners to extend agreement. Judge Doty was clear when the UFA started, football a team game, needs controls, checks and balances (draft, cap) not like baseball, anything else detremental to game, uncapped free for all, also means in the NFL monopoly-unshackled, the rich and/or even a group of players can decide they want to start team in Columbus, Birmingham, etc.

I know you have doubts becuase you are looking to a uncapped year, thats reason to spend money on a player the Detriot media so rightly called garbage. That fat slob may cause Crennel his Job and Savage.

What is your justification for giving Rodgers a new contract and 20 million guaranteed, I may be missing something, please provide me the reasons.

No experience in 3-4

Yes, you must have missed some of Anthony Smith's game, I on the other hand did not miss the Browns, RAC so fed up with Pool he put waiver wire pick-up Mike Adams in on pass plays. Great athelete, maybe not sure, bad football instincts yes, had to let Russell walk, Pool could not earn it.

Anything can happen in a game, no one can say, but some plays more probable than others. Steeler humilated Browns at home, Browns did better 2nd game, because of 2 big returns by Cribbs (your best player), chances of that happening again slim, game not close then.

And we always have fall-back, the great players coach RAC, the one the players went out for against Bengals, Oakland and the Cards

Lennie Freidman too samll, he signed for being wedge on kick-off return which he does good job at.

I really wish the Browns were better, it is not fair. Franchise associated with Art Modell for 40 years, what a scum bag, Ran Billchick out of town, guy wins 3 super bowls, goes to another. Only coach that caused Steelers concern -Schottenheimer, they were physical and played tough in Pittsburgh or Cleveland, never could win the big game though, sad story continues, I think Browns would have beat Denver at least once if Don Rodgers did not kill himself.

Steelers weaker as team, is that the yearly cry from Browns fans and/or hope.

O -line porous -how do you get that? last year because Fanacea no more lateral movement, some problems, he is gone. I told you kemoeatu taking over, a 340 round grinder. Dqwell Jackson when he sees the size of this guy, going to tackle 10 yrads behind line instead of 5.

Yes Stapleton, lets look at Browns history vs Steelers, lets see Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, Jeff Hartings, (mahan a temporary), so lets see, what about Steelers record on drafting centers, was not Dawson a 3rd round pick? from Kentucy

Starks rt 6'8 monster 4th year coming up, other lt tackle Marvel Smith 8th year, Kendall Simmons 6th year. ---so lets see Fraley going to be 32 I think, Tucker 33 going on 34, according to your analysis, should they not start slipping? Great 0-line you have 2 starters in their 30's, I think maybe average age GREATER than Steelersl, if not close. Nat Dorsey great back-up tackle -hehe, Hadnot visits Steelers, Steelers said no thanks, he had no other suitors Browns over paid again, this was on one of the wires, going to find and paste in for everyone to see. Friedman..??

Troy P, hurt some last year, not old, great player, Anthony Smith started last 4 games last year, will be new stud a SS with Troy at FS Smith in his 2nd year. Troy P, remember hit on Joe J., Joe says do not want to start anymore... that hit that almost severed his leg, I am sure in his thought process. He Joe you paid as starter give some back, okay?? Joe 33 too. Pool a real weak link, Jones not much better easy to fake out, and who do the Browns have at depth for safety??? Talk about depth, come on.

Hines Ward going to play a long time, your safties are intimadated, he going to knock there heads off on running plays...

Steelers have draft too, right now several good o-lineman available, lastest has them selecting best guard in draft, will add depth 1st year, rest of team solid.

Who picks up the slack if Jamal Lewis gets hurt? Jason Wright?? hah, thats depth? Depth what depth do the Browns have?

Yea Browns do not have to sign veterans becuase most players do not stay in league long enough, Steeler fans going to be chanting at Winslow and Edwards ... team gave your money to malcontent, they ''''' on you. And ravens fans, everywhere you go.

That money to Rodgers and Sallwoth going to kill you, financially and team chemistry ggoing to take hit, you better start with easy schedule. By the way, Williams and Rodgers no experience in 3-4, gave boat load of money already!!! Rodgers had a contract, no reason to give him a raise.

Andersen looks like deer in headlights when those linebackers come.

Two tight ends going to be incorporated into run game, 6'5'' and 6'7'' both about 270, run over Browns d again.

I do not think Townsend, Ike Tayloe and Bryant MacFaddeen losing sleep over covering Stallworth (mr, 4 teams in 4 years, can't believe someone gave me a 10 mill bonus, Joe J. is going to run the 40, coach going to time him with calendar.

Edwards, corner + corner or saftey combo can handle, hit him once and expect 2 drops that day.

Linebackers rough up Winslow...

In 4 years, becuase Savage can not draft in later rounds, BROWNS HAVE NO ONE ON EITHER LINE AS A BACK UP, Thomas the great selection that's it, Hadnot tells you about Sowells, what Stallworth tells upou about Travis Wilson .... busts.

Cleveland Browns General Manager Phil Savage took over a team coming off a 4-12 2004 season, and he's now running a team coming off a 10-6 2007 season. The result? He's close to getting a new contract.

"It's something we've been talking about on and off since December," owner Randy Lerner said, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "We've kept the dialogue going, and we hope to have something done soon."

Savage has two years left on the five-year deal he signed in 2005, and the contract extension will go through at least the 2011 season. Head coach Romeo Crennel, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker have all signed extensions through 2011 as well.

Lerner told the Plain Dealer he was excited about the future of the team because "It's been a great off-season," but it seems a little premature to make such a declaration. The Browns' roster has more recognizable names on it than it did in 2007, but the Browns have also traded away their top three draft picks.

Savage appears to have the Browns headed in the right direction, but Lerner is putting an awful lot of faith in people who haven't yet led the team to the playoffs.

sorry you are incorrect, Just becuase Rodgers got 20 million guaranteed he is going to play better?, wear out my welcome Stallworth. Pats have 50 TD passes, he has 3 of those. What a blunder to over-pay both those chumps.

You are right Steelers in winners position not like Browns, they can wait 3-4 years for players to start because they have good quality players now. Not like Browns with bad players .. all draftees should have at least played the last 3 years. Dqwell Jackson... could not start for Steelers, Either could Anda Davis, or Wille or Peak, Or the Pool, Maybe Jones next to Troy P. No one on Browns roster going to be better than Steelers nose Hampton, end are better too. Kiesel and Smith better than what ever combination you can piece together

Steelers slipping becuase you read it on the Browns board. Savage 0-6 vs Steelers, yes re=read your sentence, did you SEE THE PLAYOFF GAME. Steelers in again. Browns lost to lowly Bengals, great week of preparation Romeo, ditto for Crads, Raiders game... who what a game planner, motivator, strategist, you almost blew the Ravens game.

As far as Steelers concerned, Ravens made more positive moves this off-season ..bye bye Billick, While Ravens not 13-3 material, they going to be more like 8-8, beating Browns once,

Santonio Holmes schooled Eric Wright and will continue to do so, Fancea they let go, Starks, Marvel Smith not old. CHRIS KEMOEATU taking over for Fancea... about 340, been schooled for 3 years in STEELER POWER GAME, Kendell Simmons the other guard. Don't be fooled. Even the Steelers board has more class... we deserved to lose to Jags and not better, Ward better than Stallworth and yes Free Agent from college Wille Parker going to run for 100 each game next year.

SAVGE ZERO STEELERS 6, and SUPER BOWL 3 years ago, thats 5, how many Browns have?? Even Bengals been to 2 Super Bowls.

Savage not just losing sleep having nightmares, yes he also hired Crennel, sorry nice guy not a good natch up against lets be physical Cowher and kick the 'hell' out of them Tomlin (motto most physical team will win), throw LeBeau in there and..you get it Phil 0-6

Steelers Rookie's 07
Woodley ran around like a wild man last year in a part time role, ditto Timmon's but did not play as much becuase Steelers signed James Harrison FA linebacker Kent State that went to pro-bowl.

Steeler's linebackers to be faster and younger next year. They already had nbr 1 defense, that's why they tell players like Haggans to take a walk, Browns should sign Haggans he is better than any LB we have except maybe Wimbley, and Steeler's say Bye.

We continue to receive e-mails from readers who support the various teams who picked up via trade arguably washed-up defensive tackles.

And we continue to disagree.

If Shaun Rogers or Kris Jenkins or Marcus Stroud were that good, their former teams wouldn't have traded them. As a general rule, NFL franchises don't let truly invaluable players get out of their clutches.

Compounding the problem for the Browns (who acquired Rogers) and the Jets (who picked up Jenkins) is the fact that both players have received new contracts with significant chunks of guaranteed money.

Here's the problem with defensive tackles, as we see it. They are often hard to motivate, as evidenced by the fact that so many of them are, well, fat and/or sloppy. They often perform their best when they are playing for a new contract (see Albert Haynesworth, Gerard Warren, Daryl Gardener, Jason Ferguson).

By giving Rogers and Jenkins new contracts, the Browns and the Jets have taken a huge risk that both of them won't try as hard as they can. The Bills merely shuffled some of Stroud's money around, but didn't give him the big raise he wanted. Of the three, then, he's the most likely one to come out playing hard.

All three teams likely regard the risk as justifiable based on the fact that the Giants proved to the football world that the way to get past the Patriots is with a dominant defensive line. (Not coincidentally, two of the three teams play in the AFC East and the other has designs on soon competing with the Patriots for elite status in the conference.)

But, again, if Rogers and Jenkins and Stroud were capable of dominant performances in seasons during which they weren't playing for new contracts, they wouldn't have been allowed to leave their prior places of employment.

Phil's draft record is average at best. Record against Steelers 0-6. Kevin Harlen is Steelers Personnel guru. Until we see evidence on the field, Steelers better than us. Until Phil can out manuever Harlen we are in trouble, and for all the 'sheep' following the FA season, Harlen's major work starts and ends with the draft.

Steelers number 1 defense, this year you going to see Lawrence Timmons and LaMar Woodley incorporated, they are going to be FASTER and younger. Bad match up for Browns. Linebackers coming from everywhere, LeBeau already scheming for the slow footed Andersen, better hope Quinn is ready.

That's the way I see it as an objective Browns fan. Do not like it but it is what it is.

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